thankfully it seems like it was mostly just a spasm. Definitely still in a lot of pain but I should at least not be completely bedridden tomorrow I hope. Won't be lifting anything.

I feel like an old man. Am I only 28? Oi.

I had a similar issue with a bulging disk in my neck. If it persists more than a day or so, go see a doctor. I was lucky mine went down over time, but I still have a numbness in my pointer finger from it.

Alright so since I'm laid up I'm shopping again. Going to pick up some MazdaComp motor mounts and... I need to buy tires.

RS3s are out of stock everywhere and so are Rivals (in the 225 size). I talked with Emilio and he said there's no problem with running 205s on a 9 (my 2000 Turbo had 205 RE-11s on 9s and I loved that setup). Sooo... Since I'm not going to be running much power this year, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on some 205/50/15 Federal RSRs. Can get them for $322 shipped.

Research shows they don't stand up to hot temps on the track as well, but it doesn't get as hot here as it does in so cal or other hot track areas. Based on my research I think I'll be happy with them.

Alright so since I'm laid up I'm shopping again. Going to pick up some MazdaComp motor mounts and... I need to buy tires.

RS3s are out of stock everywhere and so are Rivals (in the 225 size). I talked with Emilio and he said there's no problem with running 205s on a 9 (my 2000 Turbo had 205 RE-11s on 9s and I loved that setup). Sooo... Since I'm not going to be running much power this year, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on some 205/50/15 Federal RSRs. Can get them for $322 shipped.

Research shows they don't stand up to hot temps on the track as well, but it doesn't get as hot here as it does in so cal or other hot track areas. Based on my research I think I'll be happy with them.

If in wrong please tell me now because I'll probably order them today

I would consider getting the AWR mounts. MazdaComps didn't feel any different to me and I've heard they fall apart with hard track use. The AWR poly bushings are cheaper to replace.

Not into the AWRs. I sat in EO2K's car with the ***** mounts and was not a fan. I drove Josh's car with Mazdacomps and it feels great to me. I realize I'll have to replace them more often but it's worth it to me.

Unless someone knows of something between the mazdacomps and the softer AWRs.

Not into the AWRs. I sat in EO2K's car with the ***** mounts and was not a fan. I drove Josh's car with Mazdacomps and it feels great to me. I realize I'll have to replace them more often but it's worth it to me.

Unless someone knows of something between the mazdacomps and the softer AWRs.

Yes. The Mazdacomps are higher durometer but there's a LOT more material. The AWRs have very very little material to absorb vibrations... But of course that's also why they last longer with track work.

Good to know. My RS3s are that way, which is why even though they are not damaged in the accident and they have tons of tread left I'm not going to use them. They worked decently well once they got some heat into them though.

Thought you all might like to see some photos. But first you'll need to read an essay of my plan, as it has changed every so slightly.

The shell is really not very clean. So I'm going to have it painted.

Next weekend, finish breaking down the MSM and get the engine to Josh's place.

I need to buy a sawzall.

While Josh has my motor I'll be figuring out what all I'm keeping, and taking pictures/listing for sale what's left. I'll also install the dashboard and steering wheel and pedals and such in the 10AE.

Once the engine is finished I'll get the 10AE to Josh's for final installation. Will have the MSM rear subframe with bushings replaced ready to go in the car.

I need to buy a vise and a torch.

Once the car is drivable (still no interior) I'll pull the soft top, put the hard top on, and take it to the shop to have it painted. No color change so the fact that the engine is already installed won't really cause any extra work, but it WILL mean I won't have to keep towing it all over the place. I plan to install the MSM rear lip as well, which I'm excited about

Once it comes back I'll finish the bushing installation in the front, install the interior and new suspension, reinstall the soft top and enjoy.

Things I've ordered/already received:
-wheels w/lugs and valves
-new suspenders with bushings and endlinks and such
-ms2e PNP for '99-'00
-3.63 R&P (to be installed next year with boost)
-I'm sure I've ordered more stuff than this but that's all that's come to mind.

Things I still need to order:
-Mishimoto silicone heater hoses
-brake fluid and pads... still thinking about BBK. Probably will order BBK.
-tires (likely will order Federal RSRs today or within the next couple days)
-motor mounts (planning on going Mazdacomp unless someone has a better idea)
-I'm SURE there's more stuff I need to order. Please help me spend my money.
-Aluminum radiator. Supermiata is sold out. Debating between Koyo 55 or just wait for new Supermiata stock.

Would love to have feedback on this plan.

Pics!

Passenger rear QP HUGE scratches. Ouchies.

Rear bumper. The only panel that was fine.. til I rolled it off the truck and did this:

Trunk lid had been pried on, likely when the car was stolen (remember it's a theft recovery vehicle):

Driver QP also has huge scratches, though not quite as bad as passenger:

Couple little dings in that QP:

In the top corner you can see the paint starting to flake. Some of that is water, just have to look closely... Driver side:

This is pretty faded too. Missed out on the repaint I guess.

Paint also flaking on the driver QP front edge by the door seam:

Hood is scratched up...

... and was apparently slammed down on top of something.

Front bumper needs some love, lip has a small crack that looks very repairable.

Interior level of strip:

Still looks pretty good from a few feet away:

Wishing I had kept this one, ha. Oh well. This new one wasn't wrecked at least...

Yes. The Mazdacomps are higher durometer but there's a LOT more material. The AWRs have very very little material to absorb vibrations... But of course that's also why they last longer with track work.

There is currently no other option between MC mounts and AWRs. Yes, you will hate the AWRs, but they're amazing. Yes, some people say they're replacing MC mounts every year, but you probably won't get to that point for another year or two, and in those two years, you'll have great comfort and decreased vibrations. Buy nothing else.

The Federals are a great tire, if you look up Nitto Neo Gens, that's what the Smurf is on. Lots of track days on from me and Laz, maybe a dozen total. Still great grip, tread life, and wet grip.

Might save you a few pennies over the RSR until you get something gripper. They're still an AWESOME tire to learn on.

I was going to say they're cheaper, but at onlinetires.com, they're both within a couple bucks of $320 shipped.

I'd highly suggest the Neo Gens for better wet grip though.

P.S. I have the MSM rear bumper if you'd like it for respray. Has holes for the MSM rear lip, otherwise damageless. Same with a trunk lid. Might make you pay a bit for that though...